aye

[ahy]

adverb

1. yes.

noun

1. an affirmative vote or voter, especially in British Parliament, corresponding to yea in U.S. Congress.

aye

¹

/ aɪ /

1. yes: archaic or dialectal except in voting by voice

2. 1. an expression of compliance, esp used by seamen

   2. an expression of amused surprise, esp at encountering something that confirms one's suspicions, expectations, etc

noun

1. 1. a person who votes in the affirmative

   2. an affirmative vote

aye

²

/ əɪ /

adverb

1. always; still

Word History and Origins

Origin of aye¹

First recorded in 1570–80; earlier spelling I, of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of aye¹

C16: probably from pronoun I, expressing assent

Origin of aye²

Old Norse ei ever; Old English ā; compare Latin aevum an age, Greek aion aeon, aiei ever, always

Example Sentences

In 1993, the Supreme Court ruled in Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v.

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"Aye, so is Christmas," he replied.

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When MPs vote they walk through voting lobbies - either the Aye or the No lobby.

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Grey wood shingles, bay windows, and inside, the classic Olde New Englande/Rusty Scupper/Aye Matey/Cap’n Whats’s decor: hanging fishnets, hurricane lamps, buoys, nautical bric-a-brac, the bars fashioned from halved lifeboats.

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Aye, right - A sarcastic phrase - used ironically to express contempt or incredulity.

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